Post by notaraptor on Dec 14, 2007 2:09:48 GMT -5
Just so you know, I completely understand if you kick me off the boards. This is a place for killing-type birds. I get it. But I'm having an issue.
Issue #1: I *gaspshock* don't have a raptor. Of any kind. I have to admit, the only time I've ever handled them was... er, never, actually. I actually have a parrot.
Wait! No, don't kick me off yet, ok? Just hear me out.
Issue #2: I have a parrot. But here is no- let me repeat- NO avian vet within a ten hour radius of me. And that one has no interest in getting another patient, and patiently explained that she could not help me over the phone. Or e-mail. And the dog/cat vets in my area have no interest in looking at my bird.
(Now, I know I probably have no business having a parrot if there is no vet around to look at said parrot. The point is moot either way, however, because I had to move for a job, and could not leave parrot behind.)
Interestingly, the avian vet suggested hte internet falconry sites for information. So here I am.
Now, the real issure, if you're still with me, and haven't yet kicked me off in disgust for "flying" such a mambsy-pambsy bird as a three foot long macaw.
She had a wound on her foot, and it TERRIFIES me. I have no idea where she got it- I checked all her perches (which she's had for a while, but aren't yet worn or cracked, and are the same types she's had for years without trouble). She has lots of different textures and diameters, to stretch her feet. She gets lots of baths, and I'm careful about cleaning her feet even when she has no wish to bath (and I dare you to bathe a macaw who does not wish to get wet.)
Now, I've heard all the horror stories about bumblefoot- it's the same disease apparently in raptors or macaws, with the same causes and cures (says distant avian vet). So far, there is no sign of infection, no swelling and little pain- though I haven't tested that much. I don't really want to press on it to test it, but she isn't favoring it at all. And with a parrot, you notice when they are favoring something, with all the climbing around they do. I clean her perches once a day, every day, but now I know she'd sore-footed, I've been mad about cleaning them and making sure they're totally dry before putting them back. I've been washing her foot with plain water. Again- no sign of infection or swelling, or pain.
Still with me? Good.
So. I've done a little research, and so far it seems the common thread is iodine and benzine to prevent infection.
Your thoughts? And I understand that raptors and parrots are *totally* different species, with totally different lifestyles and needs, but the avian vet said to look to the raptor world for advise, so that's what I'm doing. I'm also waiting for a local master falconer to call me back. I'm thinking it might take him a while. Something tells me that he won't be very keen to follow up on a crazy parrot lady's panic-y message.
Issue #1: I *gaspshock* don't have a raptor. Of any kind. I have to admit, the only time I've ever handled them was... er, never, actually. I actually have a parrot.
Wait! No, don't kick me off yet, ok? Just hear me out.
Issue #2: I have a parrot. But here is no- let me repeat- NO avian vet within a ten hour radius of me. And that one has no interest in getting another patient, and patiently explained that she could not help me over the phone. Or e-mail. And the dog/cat vets in my area have no interest in looking at my bird.
(Now, I know I probably have no business having a parrot if there is no vet around to look at said parrot. The point is moot either way, however, because I had to move for a job, and could not leave parrot behind.)
Interestingly, the avian vet suggested hte internet falconry sites for information. So here I am.
Now, the real issure, if you're still with me, and haven't yet kicked me off in disgust for "flying" such a mambsy-pambsy bird as a three foot long macaw.
She had a wound on her foot, and it TERRIFIES me. I have no idea where she got it- I checked all her perches (which she's had for a while, but aren't yet worn or cracked, and are the same types she's had for years without trouble). She has lots of different textures and diameters, to stretch her feet. She gets lots of baths, and I'm careful about cleaning her feet even when she has no wish to bath (and I dare you to bathe a macaw who does not wish to get wet.)
Now, I've heard all the horror stories about bumblefoot- it's the same disease apparently in raptors or macaws, with the same causes and cures (says distant avian vet). So far, there is no sign of infection, no swelling and little pain- though I haven't tested that much. I don't really want to press on it to test it, but she isn't favoring it at all. And with a parrot, you notice when they are favoring something, with all the climbing around they do. I clean her perches once a day, every day, but now I know she'd sore-footed, I've been mad about cleaning them and making sure they're totally dry before putting them back. I've been washing her foot with plain water. Again- no sign of infection or swelling, or pain.
Still with me? Good.
So. I've done a little research, and so far it seems the common thread is iodine and benzine to prevent infection.
Your thoughts? And I understand that raptors and parrots are *totally* different species, with totally different lifestyles and needs, but the avian vet said to look to the raptor world for advise, so that's what I'm doing. I'm also waiting for a local master falconer to call me back. I'm thinking it might take him a while. Something tells me that he won't be very keen to follow up on a crazy parrot lady's panic-y message.
Not like you came on and started talking crap, just asked for help 
